Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin Criticizes NDA Policies at Election Rally

Coimbatore, April 2: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin sharply criticized the policies of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during an election rally on Thursday. He accused the NDA of failing to protect the interests of crucial sectors like micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and traditional weavers.

Addressing the rally in Coimbatore, Stalin stated that the central government’s policies have worsened the state’s economic situation, particularly in light of the ongoing geopolitical crisis in West Asia. He claimed that MSMEs, which are the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s industrial economy, are facing tough conditions due to external shocks and a lack of adequate support from the central government. The tensions in West Asia have disrupted supply chains and export markets, yet the central government has failed to effectively intervene to assist small businesses.

Discussing social and educational issues, Stalin reiterated his opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He described these measures as detrimental to the rights and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu. Stalin accused the NDA government of ignoring the state’s repeated demands, asserting that NEET harms rural and marginalized students.

The Chief Minister also targeted the AIADMK-BJP alliance, alleging that it has undermined public trust by remaining silent on issues affecting the state. He highlighted the central government’s failure to protect Tamil Nadu’s weavers from international trade pressures, including tariffs imposed by countries like the United States.

Stalin emphasized that the central policies and their impacts have severely affected the state’s economy and traditional industries, necessitating effective measures to address these challenges.

During the rally, Stalin mocked AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, accusing him of favoritism and awarding government contracts to close relatives. He also leveled allegations of corruption and misuse of power against other opposition leaders without naming them.

Stalin ridiculed the NDA’s “double engine” slogan, calling it a “dud engine,” claiming that the alliance lacks both efficiency and direction. He expressed confidence that voters would reject the NDA in the upcoming assembly elections and restore the DMK-led coalition to power with a strong majority.

This rally was part of Stalin’s state-level election campaign aimed at strengthening public support ahead of the elections, with governance, social justice, and economic resilience as the main themes.